D.W. SMITH
Welcome to Obsidian
Obsidian is not a world you simply visit — it is a world that claims you.
Born from a tapestry of stories that evolved into a living, breathing realm, Legacies Etched In Obsidian: Ascension invites readers into a land layered with history, myth, and consequence. Every stone remembers. Every legacy leaves a mark. And every choice echoes far beyond its moment.
This is epic fantasy for readers who crave depth — not just battles and magic, but meaning.
A bold epic fantasy of risk, remembrance, and rising into destiny.
​
​A World Forged by Story
What began as a loosely connected collection of tales grew into a fully realized world shaped by time, sacrifice, and ambition. Obsidian’s lore is rich, intentional, and immersive — designed to pull you beneath the surface and challenge what you believe epic fantasy can be.
While familiar elements of the genre are present, they are carefully reordered and reimagined. This is not imitation — it is adjacent originality. A story that honors the greats while daring to step beyond them.
This Story Explores
At its core, Ascension is a meditation on:
-
Legacy — what we inherit, what we leave behind, and what survives us
-
Identity — who we become when history presses in
-
Risk — the cost of choosing growth over safety
-
Memory — personal, cultural, and mythic
Nothing exceptional is achieved by playing it safe — and neither is this story.
​For Readers Who Love…
-
Epic fantasy worlds with deep lore and lived-in history
-
Character-driven narratives with emotional weight
-
Thoughtful worldbuilding that rewards attentive readers
-
Stories that linger long after the final page
If you appreciate the imaginative courage of genre pioneers and the introspective power of stories that ask why, Obsidian is waiting for you.
Why Ascension Matters
In an era saturated with recycled stories and endless reboots, Legacies Etched In Obsidian: Ascension stands as a reminder that creativity never left — it simply demands courage.
This novel takes literary risks, not for shock value, but in service of something deeper: a world built with intention, a story told with reverence for craft, and a legacy etched deliberately into the page.
​
Frequently Asked...
The below frequently asked questions represent consistent inquiries from Beta Readers, commentary from literary agents, and discussions with indie publishers. ​
​
Explain the reasoning behind the "saga" based structure, instead of a straight narrative?
I wrote Legacies Etched In Obsidian: Ascension as connected sagas to pay homage to my love of various mythological influences. Each saga not only teaches the reader about the world, but builds and connects the ensemble cast's stories in an intricate way.
Don't you think this structure is a bit ambitious for a debut novel?
I do. I know that industry professionals may find me nuts for picking such a way to organize this manuscript. I've read many books and examined the greats' literary choices. No great author became great without pushing literary barriers or ambitious writing. I wish to be an ambitious writer and create ambitious stories. I hope an agent or a publisher will take a chance on me.
How do you reconcile having so many points of view in the book from such a huge cast?
While it's true the book introduces many characters, the main characters shine through at times, then take a backseat when another enters the spotlight. The book, while plot heavy, boasts a character driven plotline.
So what are the influences of Legacies Etched In Obsidian: Ascension?
Superman's origin story, Greco/Roman mythology framing, Norse mythology concepts, and medieval tabletop and computer gaming adventures stand as my greatest inspirations for this duology.